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Plenty to like about Lucroy at the plate

Plenty to like about Lucroy at the plate

MILWAUKEE -- There has not been much to like about the Brewers offensively through the first five weeks of the season. But one bright spot has been catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Entering the series opener against the Cubs, Lucroy's .321 batting average ranked first among National League catchers. He added to that Friday with a pinch-hit three-run double with two outs in the seventh inning to put the Brewers ahead in an eventual 8-7, 13-inning win.

"Luc's a good hitter," Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said before the game. "He sees the ball really well, he doesn't chase a lot, and he can square up a baseball.

"He has whatever that hand-eye coordination is, along with a good mental approach."

Lucroy extended his hit streak to eight games with the double, collecting 13 hits over that stretch and seven RBIs. On the season, Lucroy has a pair of home runs and has driven in 15 runs.

In his third year with the Brewers and first as the Opening Day catcher, Lucroy has become one of the club's best and most versatile hitters.

"I'm just trying to have good at-bats and hit the ball hard somewhere, no matter what situation it is," Lucroy said. "Anything I can do to help the team win. Whatever side of the ball it's on."